Teenager injured in collision that killed boyfriend

Kimberley Barber

Portsmouth coastguard called to reports of a body near Chichester

A TEENAGE boy has died and his 14-year old girlfriend left seriously injured after they were hit by a car while crossing the street in Australia.

The tragic accident killed Jose Garces and saw his girlfriend Emmie Millson, originally from the Portsmouth area, taken to hospital with serious leg and hip injuries.

The pair had been dating for around a year and reports said they were walking hand-in-hand at about midnight on Monday when they were knocked down by a car.

The couple had been with friends celebrating Australia Day when they tried to cross a road just after midnight.

Jose was thrown into the air and landed on the roof. Bystanders rushed to his aid, but despite their best efforts he could not be revived.

Emmie is reported to be stable in Princess Margaret Hospital and her family have told her that Jose did not survive.

It is believed the Millson family emigrated to Australia in 2008, after living in London Road, Waterlooville, for six years and Mountview Avenue, in Portchester, for five years.

It is understood the Millsons still have family living in the Portsmouth area.

Thousands of people have paid tribute to Jose, who was a promising footballer, from East Fremantle, on Facebook. A tribute page called ‘R.I.P jose garces’ has more than 8,000 names.

Mikayla Datson commented on the page: ‘You will never leave my heart and I know you will be looking down on everyone forvever. You’ll be missed by soo [sic] many people and especially your amazing family and friends.’

Caitlyn Roberts added: ‘Going to miss your smile, your smile was worth a million! Your sillyness! [sic] You were always the life of the party, you don’t understand how much my heart is aching, gone but NEVER forgotten, love you Jose may you rest in peace my angel’

The tragedy has shook the teenage community of Perth with many events being organised in Jose’s memory.

Jose’s brother Sam Garces told Australian news channel Nine News that he had been with Jose only hours before and that Jose was most likely looking out for Emmie.

A spokesman from WA Police said the road was a busy road, but that it may not have been very well lit.

They also confirmed that the 21-year old male driver has not been arrested for any suspected offence and that he had not been injured.

The police also ruled out alcohol and speed as possible factors.

A statement from the police said: ‘A Ford Falcon sedan being driver by a 21-year-old man struck a 14-year-old girl from Coogee and a 14-year-old boy from East Fremantle as they ran across the road.

‘The girl was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital with serious injuries (non-life threatening) and the boy died at the scene. The 21-year-old male driver of the car was not injured.’